Don't assume any degree will do as long your kids graduate. When it
comes to unemployment rates among recent grads, all degrees are not
created equal.

One of your jobs as a parent is preparing your child to face life on
their own - and that includes preparing them to pursue a good career.
The first step is picking the right major.
One of the problems is there often aren't enough opportunities for
kids to learn about careers before it's time to choose a major.
"Teenagers need help selecting college majors because they simply aren't
exposed to many career fields or professions," explains Jolyn Brand,
certified teacher and owner of Brand College Consulting, Inc. in
Houston, Texas, helping students find, apply, and get accepted to
colleges.
According to Brand, parents can be a crucial resource at this
critical time. "Parents can help by taking a child's strengths,
interests, and personality into account while researching degrees and
careers," she advises.
How should you advise your kids? She suggests avoiding "fields that
are too narrow or specific or simply have too low job growth to support
all the college graduates coming out with those degrees." Instead, she
suggests pursuing majors "that have high demand, tangible skills, and
are prerequisites for a chosen field."
But how do you know which fields to avoid and which ones to steer your kids toward? One way is by looking at the research.
In Georgetown University's 2013 "Hard Times" study, several degrees
were linked to dramatically higher unemployment rates for recent grads
than others. These are the ones your kids might want to steer clear of
when thinking about future career prospects. Fortunately, the study also
lists some degrees linked to lower unemployment rates.
We've broken down some of the biggest degrees to avoid - as well as
some great ones to pursue - for you to talk about with your kids.
Remember, while no degree can guarantee employment, certain degrees may
give your kids a leg up in the competitive job markets ahead.

Degree to Avoid #1: Bachelor's in Information Systems

Unemployment Rate For Recent College Grads: 14.7%*
It seems like any computer-related degree is a smart bet, right? And
information systems might seem like it's at the top of the chain, since
information is what computers thrive on.
After all, in a management information systems program, your kid
could be learning about higher level computer issues like database
design, systems analysis and design, and programming for systems
development. That's according to the College Board, a nonprofit
organization dedicated to helping students find success and opportunity
in college. But even if your kid is technically inclined, this could
actually be the worst "computer-related" degree to pursue.Why It Could Ruin Your Kid's Job Prospects: "Although
there are a high volume of jobs employing information systems majors,
the market has been relatively flooded with these majors since the
1990's," says Jason Hanold, Managing Partner of the HR executive search
firm Hanold Associates in Evanston, Ill. "Technologies have evolved,
more outsourcing occurs, and supply of talent is overweighting demand
for this specific major, often in favor of computer science majors."

Find ProgramsUnemployment Rate For Recent College Grads: 5.9%*
Does your kid have a good head for numbers? One thing we can bank on -
money is going to be part of our society for the foreseeable future,
and that makes a degree in finance pretty appealing. According to the
College Board, with this major, your child could learn about
investments, financial management, and accounting and statistics for
financial analysis.Why the Future Could Be Bright: "All of business has
room for graduates with business acumen and financial savvy," says
Hanold. "This will continue to be a versatile degree that is viewed as
practical and desirable by a wide range of industries, well beyond
banking."Next step:Click to Find the Right Finance Program.
One of the reasons this degree is so sought after is the complex nature of the markets.
"Financial markets have become incredibly complex, almost
impenetrable to the layman," explains Allan Jones, vice president of
product for the recruiting firm ZipRecruiter. "Employers really want
someone who can understand how the market works now, who can create
models of future performance based on an incredible number of variables,
and who can give sound business advice in an uncertain environment."
Even better news? "We've seen job growth in the financial industry
stay relatively strong over the last few years, and all the signs we see
point to it continuing to be a source of good jobs moving forward,"
Jones adds.

Potential Career**

Median Annual Salary †

90th %ile of Annual Salary †

10th %ile of Annual Salary †

Projected Number of New Jobs 2012-2022‡

Financial Analyst

$78,380

> $152,420

< $48,100

39,300

Degree to Avoid #2: Bachelor's in Film, Video, & Photography Arts

Unemployment Rate For Recent College Grads: 11.4%*
You've told your child they can do anything they put their mind to,
and with classes like digital photography, animation, and screenwriting
on the menu, according to the College Board, it might seem like a degree
in film, video, or photography is your child's first step to pursuing
their dream - but the sad truth is, it isn't necessarily going to
catapult them into their hoped-for career.Why It Could Ruin Your Kid's Job Prospects: With so
many people graduating with film or photography degrees, only those with
excellent skills can earn a living practicing their art, says Kate
McKeon, CEO of Prepwise, an educational consulting firm helping students
prepare for college admission and plan their career paths. Worse, even
for those lucky few, it could take a very long time before starting to
earn a decent living, she adds.
Another problem is that even with a degree, you're competing with
other degree holders, plus those without that degree who have the
necessary technical knowledge.
"The technology required to work in [the film] industry has become
much more available. Therefore, it's easier to gain the skills, but
there are a great number more people with those same skills entering the
field," warns Jennifer Way, national speaker and HR consultant with
over 20 years' experience. "If you aren't willing to build industry
contacts and lack the wherewithal to gain entry, you will likely end up
waiting tables post-graduation."

Find ProgramsUnemployment Rate For Recent College Grads: 6.6%*
If your child is plugged into trends in fashion, music, or
technology, they might have what it takes to earn a degree in marketing
or market research. According to the College Board, marketing majors
might study consumer behavior and marketing strategy, while market
research majors could learn how to research buying trends and conduct
surveys.Why the Future Could Be Bright: It's one thing to
make something cool - it's another thing entirely to get people to want
to buy it - which is where marketing and marketing research people come
into play.
"If you are selling a product - any product - you're always going
need someone to know what the consumer wants," says Jones. "Especially
now, when companies can collect huge amounts of data on consumer
behavior, analysts who can make sense of thousands of pieces of incoming
information and make recommendations based on that information are
extremely valuable to employers."Next step:Click to Find the Right Marketing Program.
The people who can make sense of all this information, Jones adds,
are going to be positioned to pursue steady employment for a long time
to come.

Degree to Avoid #3: Bachelor's in Anthropology

Unemployment Rate For Recent College Grads: 12.6%*
This is a degree that might seem promising at first blush - a
science-oriented degree that focuses on people and primates. However,
classes like biological anthropology, human origins and evolution, and
primate behavior - all typical courses for this major, according to the
College Board - might not prepare your child for the larger job market.Why It Could Ruin Your Kid's Job Prospects: As
exciting as studying anthropology might be in school, the reality of
post-graduation life is that this degree just isn't useful to most
businesses, says Way.
And if your child thinks they are committed to working as an
anthropologist, make sure they understand the sacrifices necessary to
pursue this field, she advises. You might have to move, pay for travel,
and/or learn to speak multiple languages, for example. Many students may
be disillusioned by the reality of pursuing a career with this degree,
explains Way.

Find ProgramsUnemployment Rate For Recent College Grads: 7.6%*
You've always known your kid likes building things, from irrigation
projects in your backyard to sound-proofing the garage for band
practice. You might want to suggest they consider a degree in civil
engineering. The College Board says they might learn about
thermodynamics, structural analysis and design, and environmental
awareness for engineers.Why the Future Could Be Bright: "There's a shortage
of civil engineers in this country," says Jones. "Employers are always
looking for someone who can step in and start contributing immediately.
Combine a shortage of civil engineers with a growing backlog of
infrastructure projects which will need to be addressed sooner rather
than later, and you've got a growth industry that shows few signs of
slowing down."Next step:Click to Find the Right Civil Engineering Program.
Even better, just earning the degree could speak volumes about your
child to potential employers. "Even if the candidate does not practice
as an engineer, a degree in civil engineering demonstrates discipline
and ability to handle rigorous study. Practicing within the field of
engineering provides long term professional credibility," says McKeon.
Want to know what else you could do with this degree? Well, according
to McKeon, civil engineering students could end up in construction
management, strategy consulting, or even investment banking. "The
attraction for strategy and banking firms is the discipline, the ability
to crank through massive amounts of data without losing the big
picture," McKeon says. "The degree teaches systematic thought and design
processes as well as subtle negotiation skills." All of this could make
for a civil engineering grad an attractive candidate for a variety of
jobs.

Degree to Avoid #4: Bachelor's in Architecture

Unemployment Rate For Recent College Grads: 12.8%*
The housing market is bouncing back, so that means prospects for
architects are brighter now, right? Not necessarily. After diligently
studying things like architectural history, architectural theory, and
structural design, classes typical of this major according to the
College Board, your child might be eager to pursue an architecture
career. However, your kid might find it challenging to find employment
after graduating.Why It Could Ruin Your Kid's Job Prospects: It's all
about supply exceeding demand. "There remains a steady demand for
architects, yet more have entered the field, elevating the unemployment
rates," says Hanold.
"This tends to be a feast or famine career," he explains, adding that
many, many prospective architects enter the career, but only the best
of the best thrive. "The others drift away into other careers, or work
unsteadily, impacting unemployment rates," he adds.

Find ProgramsUnemployment Rate For Recent College Grads: 5.0%*
Was your kid the most requested babysitter on the block? Maybe they
should consider applying their ability to communicate with young
children to a degree in elementary education. The College Board says
some of the classes an education major might take include educational
psychology, philosophy of education, and teaching methods.Why the Future Could Be Bright: A bachelor's in
elementary education can prepare you to pursue a career that will
probably be around forever. "Teachers are always in demand," says Jones.
"As long as there are children, there will be a need for teachers."Next step:Click to Find the Right Elementary Education Program.
And if your kid is worried about whether this degree is "cool," they
should talk to their peers about it. "The population entering this
program has kept remarkable pace with the growth in opportunities given
the population growth. Millennials are very thoughtful about making an
impact, and this is a terrific place to start," says Hanold.

Degree to Avoid #5: Bachelor's in Political Science and Government

Unemployment Rate For Recent College Grads: 11.1%*
Did your child start to get interested in politics when they came of
age to vote? You might want to warn them about the potential challenges
they could face when it comes time to look for work in the "real world"
after graduating with a political science degree.
Typical classes, according to the College Board, can include
political theory, public policy analysis, and U.S. foreign policy. While
interesting, these courses might not be applicable to the vast majority
of jobs that will be hiring after your child graduates.Why It Could Ruin Your Kid's Job Prospects: The
problem with this degree, Hanold says, is that there aren't many
opportunities for applying what your child learns in political science
to general business positions, and if your child isn't interested in
running for office, that could pose some problems when it comes time to
look for a job.
"This degree has very few graduates who are actually planning to have
a career in politics," says Hanold. Instead, he says, some students
might "fall into" this major because the classes seem interesting, not
because they have any passion or aspiration to make a career in politics
after graduation.
In addition, the U.S. Department of Labor says that the small amount
of job openings combined with how popular political science programs are
in universities and colleges means that it's likely that there will be
few positions relative to the number of qualified candidates.

Find ProgramsUnemployment Rate For Recent College Grads: 4.8%*
You've always admired your child's empathy. A degree in nursing might
suit their caring nature to a T - and it could even prepare them to
pursue a strong, stable career for years to come. In this degree program
they could learn about health assessment, complex nursing, and anatomy
and physiology, according to the College Board.Why the Future Could Be Bright: "The health care
industry has been and will remain one of the hottest areas of job
growth, and employers are always looking for candidates to fill the more
highly skilled nursing positions which require college degrees,
especially as the population ages and the demand for health care
professionals increases," says Jones. "Not only are registered nurses
going to be in demand far into the foreseeable future, but this is one
of the best-paying positions in health care."Next step:Click to Find the Right Nursing Program.
McKeon adds that the nursing degree itself indicates a certain level
of professionalism to prospective employers. "This degree is popular
with employers because it increasingly demonstrates ability to juggle
multiple concurrent projects (patients/cases), make important clutch
decisions, and improve business processes for improved results."

If you're after a big pay day, you may want to steer clear of these degree duds and shift your focus to a more productive field.

There's no question that a college degree can help you pursue a
higher-paying career. In fact, a 2013 Pew Research Center survey found
that college graduates age 25-32 working full time earned about $17,500
more a year than those in that age group with just a high school
diploma.
That being said, all degrees are not created equal when it
comes to compensation. As the Georgetown University "What's it Worth"
study on the economic values of common majors states, "different majors
have different economic value. So, while going to college is a wise
decision, what you take while you're there matters a lot, too." And
degrees aren't equal when it comes to career options either.
For example, "A business degree is much more of an onramp into a
particular set of careers than say, a psychology degree," says Sara
Sutton Fell, CEO and founder of FlexJobs.com, a website that matches
candidates with telecommuting jobs. Sutton Fell says not to rigidly
connect a degree with a specific job in your mind. "The trick is to not
think of X degree landing you X job, but as a gateway to a variety of
career options," she says. So where to start?
Start right here. We've identified five degrees connected to some of
the lowest median earnings* in Georgetown University's 2013 "Hard Times"
study regarding the value of various college degrees. We've also
provided alternative majors that the study found were linked to
considerably higher median earnings.*
Read on for the possibly low-pay majors you may want to avoid and the
potentially higher-paying possibilities you may want to consider.

Degree to Avoid #1: Bachelor's in Psychology

Median Annual Earnings for Recent Grads: $30,000**
If the workings of the human mind interest you, you might be
considering a degree in psychology. Just don't expect to be raking in
the dough right away.Low-Pay Factors: Simply put, Sutton Fell says
psychology is one of the most popular majors out there, so the supply of
graduates is pretty huge, but the demand from employers is less so.
Essentially, a surplus of grads for few jobs drives salaries down and
competition up.
AnnMarie McIlwain, CEO of CareerFuel.net, a destination site for job
seekers and entrepreneurs, says high-paying positions in psychology
typically require at least a master's degree, so recent grads typically
won't qualify.

Find ProgramsMedian Annual Earnings for Recent Grads: $44,000**
Are you good with money and someone who thinks, if given the chance,
you could help others make a bundle? Then finance could be a degree
program that's right up your alley.Next step:Click to Find the Right Finance Program.Why It's a Good Alternative: "A high value is placed
on those responsible for handling money and making more money for
individuals and corporations," says Sutton Fell, "there's a huge amount
of trust and risk involved in hiring for finance-related careers, so
they tend to pay higher."

Degree to Avoid #2:Bachelor's in Social Work

Median Annual Earnings for Recent Grads: $29,000**
Helping people is your M.O. So maybe you're drawn to a degree program
like social work. But you probably won't see your skill in handling all
the emotional ups and downs of this field reflected in your paycheck.Low-Pay Factors: "The human services industry tends
to pay less across the board, including social work and counseling,"
says Sutton Fell. "It's definitely something that people should be drawn
to because they're interested in helping others, not because they're
looking for a big paycheck," she says, because often jobs are on the
state level and susceptible to program downsizing and budget cuts.
As with many of these degrees, the need for further education is an
issue when it comes to social work. "There are higher paying venues
within the field," according to Gail McMeekin, the Massachusetts-based
career counselor and author of the best-selling book "The 12 Secrets of
Highly Creative Women," "but often the higher earning positions require a
graduate degree."

Find ProgramsMedian Annual Earnings for Recent Grads: $50,000**
Interested in the intricacies of the technology behind your favorite
video games, websites, and apps? Well, there's never been a better time
to be a computer nerd, and computer science is a solid degree choice for
anyone who identifies as one. And with technology always in demand,
your interest in computers could translate into a career with healthy
salary potential.Next step:Click to Find the Right Computer Science Program.Why It's a Good Alternative: "Right now, technology
skills such as computer science are in high demand and paying well,"
says McMeekin. Why? For Sutton Fell, computer science falls under the
STEM degree umbrella and graduates will find higher paying jobs because
they're required to have very specific knowledge, such as coding,
programming, and familiarity with different operating systems.
Those skills are in high demand right now and relevant to lots of
fields, which contributes to the higher average salaries, says Sutton
Fell.

Degree to Avoid #3:Bachelor's in Film, Video and Photographic Arts

Median Annual Earnings for Recent Grads: $30,000**
Are you a confirmed film or photography buff? You might enjoy a film
studies or photography degree. However, once you graduate, you may have
to shoot a lot of film waiting for any money to come in.Low-Pay Factors: Sutton Fell attributes the low pay
of film and video degree holders to the dearth of opportunities. Very
few people get those Hollywood blockbuster, money-making producer and
director gigs and instead wind up on smaller budget productions, if they
can even find steady work.
"There are limited opportunities for people to reach the top of this
career field, so while the potential to make big bucks is there, it's an
extremely competitive field," she says.

Find ProgramsMedian Annual Earnings for Recent Grads: $43,000**
Have a nose for numbers? Can you run calculations without a
calculator? If so, you just might have what it takes to succeed in an
accounting degree program. And with accountants always in need, you
should have no trouble calculating how this degree can help with your
personal cash flow.Next step:Click to Find the Right Accounting Program.Why It's a Good Alternative: As McMeekin points out,
"All businesses, small and large, need accounting," so demand for this
field is high. She also adds that the fact that the tax code is so
complex that people and organizations are willing to pay for expertise
in this field.
For Sutton Fell, it's once again about supply and demand. "The old
adage that 'nothing is certain but death and taxes' makes it clear that
accounting is a tried-and-true career where the demand for workers and
the amount of work steadily increases over the years," says Sutton Fell.
What's also increased alongside demand is salaries, she says.

Degree to Avoid #4:Bachelor's in Philosophy and Religious Studies

Median Annual Earnings for Recent Grads: $29,000**
If truly understanding the logic behind phrases like "I think,
therefore I am" sounds like your cup of tea, then philosophy and
religious studies may seem like the ultimate subject for you to study.
But after you graduate, you might feel like you wasted your time when
you see what the job market looks like for these grads.Low-Pay Factors: According to McMeekin, right now
there's an increased interest in this culture about spiritual issues,
but to actually get a philosophy teaching job you need further education
than just a bachelor's. So whatever position you'd be able to get with a
bachelor's, she says, is going to be low-level and likely low-paying.

Find ProgramsMedian Annual Earnings for Recent Grads: $57,000**
If you've ever stopped to think about what our lives would be like
without the convenience of automation and machinery, then you probably
already appreciate mechanical engineers. You might be the type of person
who would be happy to tinker around with machines for free, but you'll
probably still appreciate the healthy paycheck that someone with a
mechanical engineering degree can pursue.Next step:Click to Find the Right Mechanical Engineering Program.Why It's a Good Alternative: Demand is the name of
the game for mechanical engineering degree holders, which makes this a
good field to consider studying for those who are mechanically-inclined.
"These jobs are also in demand as every field that manufactures
[anything in a factory or plant] needs this skill set," says McMeekin.

Degree to Avoid #5:Fine Arts

Median Annual Earnings for Recent Grads: $29,000**
Always been the artsy type and feel like you express your ideas best through painting, sculpting, or another artistic medium?
Spending your class time indulging your artistic side sounds fun, but
it may not be too much fun after you graduate when you see your first
paycheck.Low-Pay Factors: Everybody in the arts seems to be
searching for that big break, but few get it, says McMeekin, who
explains the only way you can make a lot of money with a bachelor of
fine arts degree is by marketing your work continuously and learning
business skills, which aren't always taught as part of your degree
coursework.
Or you'd have to hire an agent or manager, she says, which will cut into your earnings and decrease your year-end take home pay.

Find ProgramsMedian Annual Earnings for Recent Grads: $48,000**
Ever think that your empathy for others could point you towards a
degree and career path? Well, if you're the type to put the people
around you before yourself, nursing could be just the right major choice
for you.
And while your nursing degree helps you learn to bring smiles to
others, it might bring you some smiles as well, as this degree was
linked by the "Hard Times" report to a pretty healthy salary.Next step:Click to Find the Right Nursing Program.Why It's a Good Alternative: According to McMeekin,
nursing is a hot field right now and will be into the future. There are
also a lot of outlets in which to seek employment, from hospitals and
doctor's offices to schools and homes for the elderly.
To that point, Sutton Fell sees nursing as a strong major for those
scientifically inclined and good with people now because of the need for
care as people grow older and continue to live longer lives. "The aging
population and huge number of baby boomers reaching retirement over the
next decade make nursing, especially geriatric nursing and any sort of
elder-care career incredibly important," she says.

Degree to Avoid #6:Journalism

Median Annual Earnings for Recent Grads: $32,000**
Maybe you've been told you have a way with the written word. But if
you think an education in journalism will help you write your way to a
great salary out of college, you may be in for a surprise.Low-Pay Factors: For McMeekin, traditional media
like newspapers and news shows are fading in popularity, which is
causing jobs to disappear and salaries to drop.
For those who still want to get into the field, she advises students
to get work experience in online media to be successful and follow the
new trends for how and where people get their information.

Find ProgramsMedian Annual Earnings for Recent Grads: $44,000**
Computer databases, networks, computer security. Sound like subjects
you could get into? If so, you'd be at home as an information systems
major. And according to "Hard Times," median annual earnings for recent
grads with this degree aren't bad.Next step:Click to Find the Right Information Systems Program.Why It's a Good Alternative: For McMeekin,
information systems and technology is a solid degree option right now
because the computer concepts taught are needed across all fields and
continue to change constantly. Graduates with information technology may
be in a better position than other fields, she says, because a company
"needs fresh talents and ideas all the time" to keep ahead of the curve
when it comes to processing their sensitive data and keeping it under
wraps.

These six professional careers don't ask for a big educational commitment.

Many people believe that non-manual labor office jobs, also known as
white collar jobs, are only for the well-educated, and are unattainable
by those who haven't had the time, desire, or resources to obtain a
degree. However, this is not always the case.
"Many white collar jobs require exceptional communication, logistics,
and problem solving skills, and often, these are skills that can be
tweaked with time and experience, but not studied in a degree program,"
says Steve Langerud, who owns the career counseling firm, Steve Langerud
and Associates.
And we're not talking about jobs that nobody wants. "Most of these
jobs are in high demand today and are expected to see significant growth
over the next few years," says Trish Thomas, founder of the Resume
Resource and the assistant director of the center for internships and
career development at Eastern Connecticut State University.
So keep reading to discover six white collar jobs that don't
necessarily require a college degree, although you may want to pursue
additional education to maximize your options in these fields.

If you're interested in working in a comfortable office environment,
maybe even from an office in your own home, consider pursuing a
professional career as a computer support specialist.
"Computer support specialists are white collar workers who oversee
the daily performance of computer networks or provide technical
assistance to end users, either on-site or remotely," says Thomas.
Computer user support specialists are also known as help-desk
technicians, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. They usually
field questions from non-IT staff workers regarding using printers,
working with email, and installing software.Why You Don't Need a Degree: "There are a variety of
classes and certificate programs that provide training in monitoring
and troubleshooting system performance, setting up equipment for
employee use, installation, operation, and minor repairs to hardware,
software and peripheral equipment," says Thomas.
"Although a bachelor's degree is sometimes required for this
position, it's really not necessary for a computer user support
specialist," says Abraham Snell, an adjunct professor at ITT Technical
Institute in Birmingham, Ala. "Their role is 1st tier support, which
means they are the first line of contact with clients who are having
system issues." Snell says that computer user support specialists do
very basic troubleshooting, "but if the issue is too in-depth, they pass
it on to the next level of support."What You DO Need: The Department says that computer
user support specialist jobs require some knowledge of computers, but
not necessarily a bachelor's degree. Computer-related classes or an
associate's degree may be sufficient.Next step:Click to Find the Right Computer Science Program.
That being said, if you're looking to work with a large software
company that supports business users, a bachelor's degree is frequently
required, and more technical jobs will probably require a degree in a
field like computer science, information science or engineering.

Doctors, nurses, and pharmacists aren't the only white collar options
in the health care industry. Medical records and health information
technicians are another option for those who want to be health care
professionals.
"Medical records and health information technicians enter patient
medical records, insurance information, and treatment data into computer
databases," says Thomas.
Most of their work is performed while seated at a desk, although they
may meet with nurses and other healthcare professionals to clarify
diagnoses or get more information, says the U.S. Department of Labor.Why You Don't Need a Degree: "Certificate programs
for this growing profession provide ample training in medical coding and
billing, as well as the legal, ethical and healthcare regulatory
requirements," says Thomas.
Important qualities for medical records and health information
technicians include the ability to be detail-oriented and analytical.
They also need technical skills to use coding and classification
software, according to the Department of Labor.What You DO Need: The Department states that a
postsecondary certificate is typically needed, but workers may have an
associate's degree. An associate's in health information technology
usually includes courses in classification and coding systems, anatomy
and physiology, health care statistics, and more.Next step:Click to Find the Right Health Information Systems & Technology Program.
The Department also notes that professional certification is required
by many employers. Technicians who want to pursue a career as a medical
or health services manager usually have bachelor's or master's degrees.

If you possess both creative and technical skills, you may be able to
parlay these talents into a white collar web developer job.
"Web developers design, build, and maintain web sites, frequently
incorporating e-commerce capabilities, multimedia content and
analytics," says Thomas. These computer professionals may create content
and convert text, graphic, audio and video components to compatible
digital formats.Why You Don't Need a Degree: "For this position, coding and design expertise are more important than a college degree," says Thomas.
"Post-secondary certificate programs provide advanced training in
authoring and scripting languages, user experience methodologies,
testing, data backup and recovery and performance analytics," she adds.What You DO Need: Depending upon the type of work
and setting, the U.S. Department of Labor reports that anything from a
high school diploma to a bachelor's degree may be required to pursue a
career as a web developer.Next step:Click to Find the Right Web Design Program.
That being said, the most common requirement is an associate's degree
in web design or a related field, the Department of Labor reports, and
for more technical developer positions like web architect, some
employers may prefer workers with at least a bachelor's degree in
computer science, programming, or a related field.

If you like the construction industry, but prefer to
collaborate and manage projects than to be hands-on, consider pursuing a
white collar career as a construction manager.
Construction is an industry that places a lot of value on "getting it
done," says Scott Barlow, career coach and founder of
HappenToYourCareer.com. "If you are a practiced problem solver, have a
bias for action, and don't mind learning from folks who are rough around
the edges, you can excel in the construction industry."Why You Don't Need a Degree: This job requires
experience more than education, says Barlow. "Typically, you need
experience balancing projects that have lots of moving parts, people,
and short time frames."
According to Langerud, it's the intangibles that make these workers
special, not the degree. "Overall, top construction managers have a
sixth sense about how to get the best performance from vendors, workers,
and clients," says Langerud.What You DO Need: According to the U.S. Department
of Labor, self-employed general contractors can qualify as construction
managers with a high school diploma plus many years of construction
experience.Next step:Click to Find the Right Construction Management Program.
The Department does note that a bachelor's degree in construction
management, construction science, engineering, or architecture is
becoming increasingly important as construction processes become more
complicated.

If you possess analytical and math skills combined with an attention
to detail, consider making your mark in the insurance industry as an
insurance underwriter.
"The responsibility of an insurance underwriter is to assess the risk
associated with insuring an individual or account and then set
insurance premiums appropriately," according to Mark Sieverkropp, a
consultant and director of happen-ings at HappenToYourCareer.com.
"An underwriter will review information provided by the applicant,
obtain additional information as necessary and compare it to the past
performance of similar risks in order to establish a premium that is
appropriate for the amount of risk that the insurance company is
assuming," explains Sieverkropp.Why You Don't Need a Degree: "An underwriter can
have several different disciplines within underwriting, such as personal
lines underwriting, commercial underwriting, and production
underwriting," says Sieverkropp, who is also a commercial underwriter.
"Because of this, training is often provided on the job and experience
or a degree is not required for entry level positions."
Sieverkropp also says the skills that are necessary for an
underwriter to possess are attention to detail, the ability to assess
and analyze information, and an ability to make decisions based on the
data provided.What You DO Need: The U.S. Department of Labor tells us that strong computer skills and insurance-related work experience may be enough.Next step:Click to Find the Right Finance Program.
However, the Department of Labor also points out that employers
prefer hiring applicants with a bachelor's degree, with particularly
helpful courses including finance, economics, business, and mathematics.

In these high-paying jobs, age can be an asset rather than a barrier to entry.

Once upon a time, 65 was a magic number: It was the age where you
put aside the trials of the 9-to-5 working world and got to enjoy a
comfortable retirement. But with people living longer, retirement isn't
the obvious choice it once was, says Roy Cohen, an executive coach and
career counselor in New York City, N.Y.
"It just may be impractical to retire," says Cohen, who notes that
it is now realistic for people who retire early to have as many
retirement years in their life as working years. But those who want to
make sure that they have enough money to fund a comfortable retirement
when the time finally comes have challenges to face when seeking
employment at an older age.
"There are still some biases," says Cohen. People often think when
you are older you are less agile both physically and with respect to
skills." But this is not the case, continues Cohen, unless you allow
your skill set to erode.
Whether you're looking to change jobs or just trying to get back
into the workforce, here are six jobs where older individuals can not
only survive, but thrive. In addition, all of these jobs have a median
annual salary* of more than $50K; in some cases, a lot more.

Are you a former teacher who is now ready to put your knowledge to
use helping a new generation of educators? If so, a career as a
principal may be just what you're looking for.
No matter if it is elementary or high school, you'll be the public
face of the school, says the U.S. Department of Labor. In addition to
meeting with parents, superintendents and legislators, you'll oversee
the school's daily activities. This may mean coordinating curricula,
counseling students, (and yes even disciplining), and evaluating
teachers.How Your Age Could Be an Advantage: "School
principals deal with a lot of issues, not only with the children, but
the parents. So there are all sorts of generational issues they have to
be aware of," says Cohen. "The more experience you have, the greater
the potential to deal with those sensitivities."
Additionally, a school principal needs to be able to demonstrate
leadership in a broad range of circumstances, says Joe Weinlick, vice
president of marketing at Beyond.com, a career network focused on
helping people grow and succeed professionally. "This is where
experience is invaluable. A school needs a leader who can remain calm
by drawing upon a broad range of experience, which is why these
positions are usually offered to more seasoned professionals."Next Step:Click to Find the Right Education Leadership Program.How to Get Started: There's some schooling required
for this one, but if you are or have been a teacher, you've probably
got much of what you need already. According to the Department of
Labor, most schools do require that elementary, middle, and high school
principals have a master's degree in education administration or
leadership. If you've got a bachelor's degree in education, school
counseling, or a related field, you have what is typically needed to
pursue that master's. Candidates usually need teaching work experience,
and most states will require public school principals get licensed as
school administrators.

Do you want to help your fellow baby boomers by making health
services run more efficiently? Your conscientiousness and attention to
detail may be valued in a medical and health services management
career.
Continuously working on the quality and efficiency in delivery of
health care services is a typical responsibility for these
professionals, says the U.S. Department of Labor. Medical and health
services managers may be also be responsible for managing billing, work
schedules, and service records. How Your Age Could Be an Advantage: "As we get
older, we don't get as easily flustered," says Cohen. There is a lot of
movement in health care, and Cohen says often people want immediate
action even if is not an urgent medical matter. He says older adults
tend to have the patience to deal with these concerns and sort out the
actual emergencies.
Cohen also says there are many complexities to the job that may be
better handled by an older adult. "As you mature you are able to manage
projects that may be very detail-oriented, with a lot of moving parts,
like medical billing, which can be tedious." Next Step:Click to Find the Right Health Care Administration Program.How to Get Started: If you've got an undergraduate
degree, you're already on your way. The Department of Labor says that
potential medical and health services managers should hold a bachelor's
degree in health administration. The Department adds that master's
degrees, in health services, public health, long-term care
administration, public administration, or business administration are
common.

Chances are you have realized over the years that humans are far
from perfect. If you feel you have a good understanding of people and a
willingness to get to the bottom of issues they face, you may want to
consider a career as a psychologist.
Industrial-organizational psychologists use psychology in the
workplace to improve work life quality and solve problems, according to
the U.S. Department of Labor. They may also work with management on
things like employee training, organizational development, and policy
planning.How Your Age Could Be an Advantage: "Age offers
many benefits. With maturity comes generational insight, an
appreciation of different communication styles, and the knowledge of how
to align individual interests with organizational goals," says Cohen.
"Over time, there is also exposure to a wider range of industries,
companies, and roles as well as people from different backgrounds
and cultures," he adds.Next Step:Click to Find the Right Psychology Program.How to Get Started: According to the Department of
Labor, graduates can work as industrial-organizational psychologists
with a master's degree in psychology.

Being older doesn't necessarily mean being out of touch with modern
technology. Applications software developer is a job where your tech
savvy skills speak for themselves, regardless of age. If those tech
skills are strong enough, the year you were born should not be a
barrier to you earning a solid paycheck.
The U.S. Department of Labor says applications software developers
develop applications that allow users to do specific tasks on a
computer or related device.How Your Age Could Be an Advantage: "Software
developers tend to be more focused on software capabilities over age,"
says Cohen, who observes that part of the tech geek culture is to be
visually unbiased. "They don't care what they wear, what you wear,
color of hair, how many piercings, it is really about knowing your
stuff."
Beth Bryce, director of career services at Northwood University in
Midland, Mich., says that since younger workers are more likely to jump
from job to job in a short amount of time, an older applicant who
seems likely to stick around may be more appealing. "Older workers are
more marketable than they think, since job hopping is the new normal
for millennials," explains Bryce. Employers want stability, especially
if there are training costs, she adds.Next Step:Click to Find the Right Computer Science Program.How to Get Started: You may already have the
educational requirements to pursue an applications software developer
career. Usually they have a bachelor's degree, typically in software
engineering, computer science, or a related field, with mathematics
also acceptable, according to the Department of Labor. Along with the
bachelor's degree, software developers usually have strong computer
programming skills.

As the saying goes, patience is a virtue. Not everyone has mastered
this ability, but maybe you have now in your later years. This is a
skill that can be highly beneficial while working as a special
education teacher. In addition to how rewarding you may find this job,
you may be surprised to learn that the median annual salary for these
educators is well above the national median.
Special education teachers work with students who have a wide range
of disabilities, from learning to physical, says the U.S. Department of
Labor. In this role, you may have to adjust lessons from
child-to-child to fit the student's specialized need.How Your Age Could Be an Advantage: Cohen says a
special education teacher must have compassion and patience, which
often comes naturally with age and experience. "As we get older there
tends to not be so much of a rush." Cohen says this is an important
attribute, as learning new subjects or concepts may take considerable
time and repetition for these students. Next Step:Click to Find the Right Education Program.How to Get Started: If you already have teaching
experience, you may be well on your way to preparing to pursue a special
education career. The Department of Labor says that a bachelor's
degree is required for special education teachers in public schools,
along with a state license or certification. Private schools typically
require the bachelor's degree but not the license or certification.
Some special education teachers in public schools major in elementary
education, or a specific content area like chemistry or math, with a
minor in special education. Others may get a purely special education
degree.

Have you perused a lot of websites in search for your next career
leap? Maybe your next job is looking at you square in the eyes. No
matter how old your noggin is, if your creativity is sharp, a web
developer career may be a good fit for you.
The U.S. Department of Labor says web developers are responsible for
the look and technical aspects of websites. Other duties might include
monitoring the website's speed and how much traffic the site can
handle, and creating web content. How Your Age Could Be an Advantage: "Web developers
typically work on a solitary basis," says Cohen. "They tend to be less
group-oriented and it is essential for web developers to be creative,
which is rarely defined by age. In fact it is enhanced by age," he
says. Next Step:Click to Find the Right Web Design Program.How to Get Started: If you have been considering
seriously studying web design for some time, then you may already be
heading down the right path to pursue a web developer career. The
Department of Labor says an associate's degree in web design or a
related field is the most common requirement for web developers. The
Department adds that for some other, more technical positions, such as
web architect or similar positions, some employers do prefer workers
with at least a bachelor's degree in computer science or programming,
or a related field.

These jobs pay well and won't turn you into a screen zombie.

Do you have eyestrain, headaches, blurred vision, dry eyes, or neck
or back pain? You might be suffering from Computer Vision Syndrome
(CVS), a condition caused by staring at a computer screen for extended
periods of time.
You might think that being stuck behind a computer is inevitable in
this high-technology age, but there are jobs out there that aren't
computer-heavy, and some of them pay pretty well, too.
Read on to discover six careers that have median salaries of over
$50K a year and won't have you glued to a computer screen all day long.

If you're the creative type that prefers looking at storyboards to
typing on keyboards, an art director position may appeal to your
artistic side.
An art director typically works with a variety of artists and other
people in specific roles to pull together an overall art concept,
advertisement, film, or other type of project, says Scott Barlow,
career coach and co-founder of HappenToYourCareer.com in Moses Lake,
Washington.How You'll Escape the Computer Screen:"To become an
art director, I actually had to move away from the computer and stop
being the actual hands-on designer," says Roanne Adams, chief creative
director/founder of RoAndCo and one of the New York Times' "six most
outstanding up-and-coming design professionals."
"If I'm not on set art directing a fashion shoot, I'm at my studio
discussing and critiquing design ideas and photo shoot concepts with my
design team," says Adams.
Additionally, "The job consists of everything from hand-drawn set
design, to prop shopping, to running a crew, to building and painting
sets and doing this on a weekly basis, especially for serial TV shows,"
says David Murdico, executive creative director and managing partner
of Supercool Creative in Los Angeles, CA.Next Step:Click to Find the Right Graphic Design Program.Prepare for a Computer-Light Career: If you like the
idea of being on your feet coordinating all the moving parts of a
design project, here's what you need to know. At least a bachelor's
degree in art or a design subject is what art directors need, in
addition to previous work experience, says the U.S. Department of
Labor. Many start out as industrial, set, or graphic designers in an
art-related occupation like photographer or fine artist, and earn a
bachelor of arts or bachelor of fine arts as the appropriate education
for that occupation.

If you would rather see the inquisitive faces of excited children
than the computer-generated emoticons used in email communication, you
might enjoy pursuing a career as an elementary school teacher.How You'll Escape the Computer Screen: "Most of the
day, I am on my feet delivering lessons and supporting students," says
Brian Duggan, a first grade lead teacher at Excellence Boys Charter
School in Brooklyn, NY."
And when he is not teaching, Duggan says, "I am meeting with my
grade level team to collaborate on upcoming lessons and share
best-practice teaching techniques."
And there are benefits to getting out from behind that computer in a
classroom. "Instead of being behind a computer all day, teachers get
the satisfaction of seeing firsthand the impact they're making on the
next generation,"says career counselor Ben Fanning.
Fanning adds that elementary school teachers get to experience the
smile on a child's face when they learn something new, "and that kind
of feedback is priceless and only happens in the flesh."Next Step:Click to Find the Right Education Program.Prepare for a Computer-Light Career: If a career as
a teacher appeals to you, be aware that a bachelor's degree in
elementary education is required in all states for public elementary
school teachers, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. In some
states, teachers may be required to major in a content area, such as
science or math.
Teachers will usually enroll in the teacher preparation program of
their university as well as taking child psychology, education, and
other classes as required by their major, the Department of Labor adds.
Public school teachers are required to be licensed or certified in all
states.

If high-speed chases sound more appealing than high-speed Internet,
and entering potentially dangerous situations sounds more exciting than
opening potentially dangerous email attachments, consider pursuing a
career as a police officer.How You'll Escape the Computer Screen: "The
majority of their time is spent interacting with the public, so this is
an ideal job for someone who doesn't want to spend a significant
portion of their work day sitting behind a computer screen," says
Clarissa Lester-Kenty, a life coach with 15 years of expertise in
career training in Birmingham, Ala.
"Police officers perform a variety of duties, which can range from
responding to domestic disputes to stopping a robbery in progress to
negotiating a hostage situation." Lester-Kenty adds.Next Step:Click to Find the Right Criminal Justice Program.Prepare for a Computer-Light Career: If you want to
get started in this field, keep in mind that police and detectives
need at least a high school diploma or equivalent, according to the
U.S. Department of Labor. Some police departments and many agencies
require a college degree or some college coursework.
Many entry-level police job applicants have taken some college
classes while a significant number have graduated from college. Many
colleges, universities, and even junior colleges provide programs in
criminal justice and law enforcement, the Department of Labor states.

If you are more concerned with the temperature of a patient who may
be running a fever than the possibility of your computer overheating,
perhaps nursing is your calling. How You'll Escape the Computer Screen: While
digital devices are definitely in use, "the bulk of our time is spent
managing symptoms, supporting the family and communicating with other
members of the care team, whether social workers, creative arts
therapists, spiritual care coordinators, physicians or bereavement
counselors," says Sandra Davis, a registered nurse with the Metropolitan
Jewish Health System who specializes in hospice and palliative care.Next Step:Click to Find the Right Nursing Program.Prepare for a Computer-Light Career: If you're
looking to pursue a career in nursing, there are usually three paths to
a nursing career, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Students
obtain a diploma from an approved nursing program, an associate's
degree in nursing, or a bachelor's of science degree in nursing.
Registered nurses need to be licensed as well.

If you'd rather adjust the amounts of insurance claims than spend
your day adjusting your computer monitor display options, you might
like the idea of working as a claims adjuster.
"The job of a claims adjuster is to review claims that are made by
either the insured party or a third party against the insured party,"
says Mark Sieverkropp, consultant and co-director of happen-ings at
career coaching website HappenToYourCareer.com. "They compare the
incident with the insurance policy and determine whether the insurance
coverage applies."How You'll Escape the Computer Screen: Although
computers are used to capture insurance information, "claims adjusters
spend a large amount of their time meeting with the claimant (person
filing the claim), or other involved parties, and reviewing the scene
of the incident (in cases of property damage, auto accidents, etc.),"
explains Sieverkropp, who adds that they may also take part in
settlement negotiations, trials and other aspects of the process of
resolving and closing a claim.
"Claims adjusters work with the claimant to fulfill the requirements
of the insurance contract and also negotiate settlements as need be,"
says Sieverkropp.Next Step:Click to Find the Right Accounting Program.Prepare for a Computer-Light Career: A high school
diploma or its equivalent is typically required for those workers
looking to be hired by employers as entry-level investigators,
examiners, or claims adjusters, reports the U.S. Department of Labor.
For higher positions, a bachelor's degree or insurance-related work
experience may be required.
Different types of college coursework or different backgrounds are
best for different types of work in these types of occupations. For
example, a business or accounting background might be more appropriate
for specializing in damage to merchandise or breakdowns of equipment,
according to the Department of Labor.

You can like computers and still not want to stare at a monitor all
day. Pursuing a career as a computer network architect could give you
the best of both worlds.How You'll Escape the Computer Screen: These
professionals do plenty of work that doesn't require sitting in front
of a monitor, including (according to the U.S. Department of Labor):

Presenting a data communication network layout to management

Determining how cables and other hardware will be laid out in the building

Deciding what hardware is needed to support the network.

Additionally, these workers spend time away from the computer in
planning meetings trying to project the network load and determine the
most efficient way to handle that load, according to Abraham Snell,
adjunct information technology professor at ITT Technical Institute.
They also "determine what new segments of the network they will need
to design, and decide what current segments of the network will need to
be repaired or replaced," Snell says.Next Step:Click to Find the Right Computer Engineering Program.Prepare for a Computer-Light Career: The Department
of Labor states that a bachelor's degree in computer science,
engineering, information systems, or some related field is usually
needed by computer network architects. They usually need some
experience in a related occupation as well. The Department points out
that employers of these workers sometimes would prefer that applicants
have a master's of business administration in information systems.